﻿The 10th Anniversary of the D. D. Hachar Charitable Trust’s support of the Texas A&M International University Honors Program that bears his name celebrated with the most fitting measure of his legacy: the May 2010 graduation of 15 Program students.

Prior to their graduation, the D. D. Hachar Honors Program candidates were honored with a TAMIU reception and an opportunity to welcome new freshman students to the Hachar Honors Program.

The D. D. Hachar Trust has been a longtime partner with TAMIU, and established the D. D. Hachar Honors Program in Fall of 2000 as the University’s first undergraduate honors experience for gifted students. The competitive program awards qualified students a four-year scholarship including tuition, books, and fees. Administered by Dr. Carlos E. Cuéllar, TAMIU associate professor of history, the program focused on mentoring bright students as part of a team effort.

“The program works because it is a team effort involving BBVA Compass Bank; TAMIU administration and professors that are willing to mentor the dedication and hard work of program students,” Cuéllar noted.

Demetrio David (D.D.) Hachar was a Lebanese immigrant to Laredo whose dedicated worth ethic helped him to overcame early financial disadvantages and attain multiple business successes. To further his generosity and affection for Laredo, he created a trust to provide financial support to educational institutions in the Laredo area.

Since his death in 1978, the Hachar Trust has become one of the largest philanthropic efforts devoted to health and educational opportunities in South Texas. It is managed by Trust members and BBVA Compass Bank and has provided more than $10 million in scholarships to deserving Laredo students.

“Mr. Hachar said it best when he said, ‘with education people do not need outside help. They can help themselves,’ “ said Joaquín Romero, senior vice president with BBVA Compass Bank.

For more information, contact the University’s Office for Institutional Advancement at 326.GIVE (4483), e-mail candy.hein@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Kilam Library, room 260.